Obstacle Sports Canada utilises the FISO Coach Education Programme. This programme has five key objectives:

  1. To grow and develop the sport globally by making coach education accessible to all National Federations (NF) and their members, thereby providing athletes with the opportunity of working with coaches at a level that suits their needs
  2. Provide a framework for coach education and development for NF’s to develop obstacle sports through athlete and coach development from grassroots to high performance
  3. Provide a coach development system from grassroots to high performance
  4. Provide tools and techniques to increase coach competence and effectiveness through international standards
  5. Provide a mechanism whereby coaches can progress along the coaching pathway.

Course Overview

Coach development is delivered by certified coach trainers who are Level 3 and higher and is managed regionally by continental confederations and their national federation members.

100 hours of coaching practice is required to progress to the next level course. Continuing education and at least 100 hours of coaching is required every 2-years to maintain certification.

Coaching Levels

Level 1: Certification prerequisites

Level 2: Gym/Fitness Instructor, obstacle sports coach

Level 3: Performance Obstacle Sports Coach

Level 4: National Obstacle Coach

Level 5: International Obstacle Coach

Level 6: Senior International Obstacle Coach

Level 7: Master Coach Trainer

Prerequsites

Courses are for coaches who already have proficiency teaching and training athletes. These courses do not teach you how to teach.

Level 1 certification prerequisites include disability awareness, criminal record background check, safe sport / safeguard training and first aid certification.

12 months experience as a certified personal trainer or coach in strength & conditioning, athletics, triathlon, pentathlon disciplines, climbing, gymnastics, calisthenics, parkour, Ninja, or other relevant sport is required for Level 2 certification.

Professional coaches and trainers (fully time paid professionals) may qualify to Level 3 or higher depending on their qualifications and number of years teaching.